[Reading Science] The Paradox of Antarctic Bases

Exploration and Protection Bases
Actually Causing Pollution Instead

Recently, the uninhabited Antarctic has emerged as a major issue in the international scientific community.

First, a study revealed that the research stations established by various countries for the purpose of natural exploration and protection are actually polluting Antarctica and destroying its ecosystem. This research was published on the 8th of last month in the international journal PLOS One by the Australian Antarctic Division under the Australian Department of Climate Change. The research team monitored marine pollution in the waters off the Casey Research Station on Windmill Island in East Antarctica from 1997 to 2015. As a result, high concentrations of hydrocarbons, the main components of fuel, were detected in large quantities in the seawater. The levels of heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc were also high. Additionally, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in most samples. PCBs are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and were commonly used in Antarctica until their use was banned by an international agreement in 2001. The research team was particularly shocked to find that the Antarctic marine environment was no different from major global ports with large populations and frequent ship traffic, such as Sydney Harbor and Rio de Janeiro Harbor.

It is not only around the Casey Research Station. The international journal Nature reported at the end of last month that during the redevelopment of Scott Base, located on Christchurch Island in New Zealand, a large-scale soil and marine pollution caused by fuel and waste was confirmed. In the Antarctic region, the recent rise in temperature due to climate change is causing glaciers and permafrost to melt, exposing previously buried pollutants in the ice and further spreading contamination, which is a significant problem.

In the past, such pollution was taken for granted. It was common practice to simply discard waste near research stations. It was only in 1991 that the seriousness of pollution was recognized, leading to the adoption of environmental protection provisions (the Madrid Protocol) under the Antarctic Treaty. The protocol aimed to protect Antarctica’s nature and ensure its peaceful and scientific use. Furthermore, countries establishing bases in Antarctica were obligated to minimize environmental pollution. The problem is that two-thirds of the research facilities currently installed in Antarctica were established before this treaty was signed. They lack almost any pollution prevention or purification facilities. Moreover, the recent increase in human-occupied research stations and national facilities in Antarctica is exacerbating the impact on the environment and ecosystem. Most research stations and facilities are built on land rather than ice, which constitutes only about 1% of Antarctica’s area but serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife. Penguins, seals, and other animals are losing their stable habitats to humans and are being displaced.

Antarctic bases have recently become embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that they are vulnerable zones for sexual violence. At the McMurdo Station operated by the United States, a macho culture is prevalent, leading to frequent verbal sexual harassment of women by men, as well as incidents of sexual assault and life-threatening situations. Some women even disclosed that they carry self-defense hammers inside their work clothes to avoid sexual assault.

At this point, the phrase “the paradox of Antarctic bases” seems fitting. If the true purpose is natural exploration, protection, and the happiness of humanity, shouldn’t the Antarctic bases be withdrawn?

Recent popular movies about alien invasions of Earth also come to mind. The monstrous groups in these films, which move around like “locust swarms” pillaging and destroying resources, are a tragic reflection of humanity itself.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.